Movable barrier with pressure equalization features

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide movable barrier, including: a frame having a first side and a second side parallel to the first side; a first exterior panel connected to the first side of the frame and including: a first non-planar profile; and a first plurality of perforations; a second exterior panel connected to the second side of the frame and including: a second non-planar profile; and a second plurality of perforations; a cavity defined between the first exterior panel and the second exterior panel; and a liner disposed within the cavity and configured to: deform when an air pressure differential acting on a first side of the liner exceeds a pressure differential threshold and allow increased airflow through the movable barrier.

Description

INTRODUCTION[0001]Aspects described herein relate to movable barriers, which may generally be used for privacy and security in a variety of contexts. For example, movable barriers may be used in commercial vehicles, such as aircraft, watercraft, trains, and busses, as well as in structures, such as offices and factories, to name just a few examples.[0002]Conventional movable barriers, such as doors, may perform well as secure partitions between spaces, but are generally not designed to mitigate dynamic changes to the ambient environments in such spaces. For example, when a large pressure differential develops across two sides of a barrier, for example in an aircraft experiencing a rapid change in cabin pressure, the barrier may not allow sufficient airflow from one side to the other to avoid damage to the barrier, structures affixed to the barrier (e.g., a bulkhead, a floor, a ceiling), and the like. While providing openings in a barrier may mitigate this issue (e.g., by allowing ai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a problem faced by traditional movable barriers like doors, which are often used as secure partitions between spaces but are not well-suited to handle dynamic changes in the environment they are in. When there is a large pressure difference across the barrier, for example in an aircraft, the barrier may not allow enough airflow to prevent damage or maintain safety and privacy. The patent proposes a solution by providing openings in the barrier to allow airflow while maintaining strength, security, and privacy.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional movable barriers, such as doors, may perform well as secure partitions between spaces, but are generally not designed to mitigate dynamic changes to the ambient environments in such spaces.

For example, when a large pressure differential develops across two sides of a barrier, for example in an aircraft experiencing a rapid change in cabin pressure, the barrier may not allow sufficient airflow from one side to the other to avoid damage to the barrier, structures affixed to the barrier (e.g., a bulkhead, a floor, a ceiling), and the like.

While providing openings in a barrier may mitigate this issue (e.g., by allowing airflow through the barrier to allow for continued safe flying), the same openings reduce the strength, security, and privacy provided by the barrier.

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